ADRIAN — A judge called a 16-year-old Adrian boy a danger before sentencing him to prison Wednesday for sexually assaulting a former girlfriend.

“I know you do not want to hurt another person. I believe that you will unless we get you the help that you need,” said Lenawee County Circuit Judge Margaret M.S. Noe before sentencing Elisha James Latour as an adult.

He was handed down a two- to 10-year prison term for assault with intent to

commit sexual penetration. He pleaded guilty to the reduced charge on Oct. 24. Original charges of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and unlawful imprisonment were dismissed.

Latour was charged as an adult in July. He was accused of forcing a teenage girl into a bedroom and raping her during a gathering at an Adrian home the afternoon of May 23.

At his plea hearing, Latour said he did not understand the former girlfriend was serious when she told him to stop his sexual advances, and forced himself on her.

Latour made no statements before his sentencing Wednesday.

“Your honor, this is a very difficult case for everyone involved,” said defense attorney James Daly of Adrian.

“I don’t believe Mr. Latour is a long-term threat to society. I don’t believe he is without hope,” Daly said.

What is interpreted as a lack of empathy for the victim in this case can be attributed to Latour’s youth and poor communication skills, Daly said.

Latour has many issues he must work on, Daly said.

“We hope the court gives him the opportunity so he can resolve these issues and be a productive member of society,” he said.

Noe told Latour that considerable time was spent fashioning a sentence “that brings some sense of balance to your crime.” He is a 16-year-old facing up to a 10-year prison term, she said. He also has a prior criminal sexual conduct record for offenses in 2011.

“I am aware you have not had good opportunities in your life and there are many factors to consider in what you have become,” Noe said.

“You do not accept responsibility in this case,” she said. He has not benefited from counseling and treatment that have been provided, she said, and placement in a long-term youth facility is not appropriate.

“I cannot ignore the seriousness of your behavior,” Noe said. “Your concern, and my concern, that you will reoffend are significant.”

Noe allowed Latour credit for 176 days he has been in custody at the Maurice Spear Campus. She also ordered he not have contact with minors without authorization.